On Monday 20th November the first year students welcomed Anthony Bevevino, our American language assistant, for a presentation on his country. After a short presentation of himself, he gave us an overview of the American melting-pot and of the economy of the United States. 

Thank you Anthony for this successful talk!

On september 25th  , we had the privilege to interview Thomas from Sydney, Australia   through a videoconference organised By Nessia Billon et Lenny Bethuel. Thomas is   a 30-year-old French engineer who has spent the past nine years living and working in Sydney, Australia. His journey was fueled by his dream to surf, enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, and embrace the "Australian dream." This article offers an insight into his experiences, career, and the cultural differences he has encountered while working in Australia.

Born in Brest, France, Thomas had always harbored a dream of living in Australia, where he could surf before and after work and enjoy  the vibrant local culture. This dream materialized nine years ago when he made the life-changing decision of  moving  to Sydney.

Thomas, an engineer by training, works as a data manager for the Australian Department of Transport in New South Wales. His role revolves around handling transportation-related data, making a significant contribution to the efficient operation of the country's public transportation systems.

Before arriving in Australia, Thomas's international career took him to Sweden, Sudan, and South Korea, where he quickly honed his English language skills, a necessity for effective communication in his missions abroad.

One of the striking differences Thomas highlighted is the work culture in Australia. In this country, work is essential but is not a defining aspect of a person's identity. Hierarchical structures are more relaxed, and while professionalism is maintained, Australians place greater importance on work-life balance. The camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere in Australian workplaces contribute to a less stressful work environment.

Thomas also emphasized the fact that Australians are keen on adhering to rules and regulations. Work hours are flexible, allowing for activities like surfing thus contributing to a better work-life balance.

Australia is known for its welcoming stance toward immigrants. To stay in the country, one must prove their value and contribution to society, respecting the local culture and adhering to established rules. Thomas's advice for those seeking to work in Australia is to gain initial on-site experience, whether through odd jobs on farms or with NGOs. In Australia, success is not only  determined by one's level of education; motivation and hard work are highly valued.

Despite the perks of living in Australia, Thomas faces certain challenges. One of the most significant is being far from his family and missing important events such as weddings and births. He can only return to France for four weeks a year due to the limited vacation time in Australia. Additionally, he expressed a longing for French cuisine and the fixed bank rates he was accustomed to in his home country.

Additional Tips and Insights

l  A visa is required to work in Australia, and vaccination against COVID-19 and other European-mandated vaccines are mandatory .

l  Adapting to Australian culture is crucial, and displaying arrogance is discouraged.

l  Building connections within the country is essential for job hunting, regardless of the initial role one takes on.

Conclusion

Thomas's journey is a testament to the possibilities that await those who approach Australia with motivation and an open mind. His experience reflects the allure of the "Australian dream," where one can balance a successful career with a passion for surfing and a vibrant, relaxed lifestyle. It serves as a compelling example of how international experiences can broaden horizons and lead to personal and professional growth.

Jeudi 28 septembre 2023: Intervention de Mr Le Lay auprès des étudiants/tes de 2ième année du BTS CI pour parler des attentes des Très Petites Entreprises (TPE) ou Porteurs de Projet quand ils accueillent des stagiaires pour des stages courts (5 semaines). Un échange intéressant avec beaucoup d'interactions, de conseils, de stratégie de recherche.  

En accord avec l'entreprise qui accueille les étudiants en stages, et à l'initiative  du responsable international du lycée SIVI à Torhout, Monsieur Pieter Van Langehem, nos étudiants ont passé une journée au lycée.
Ils ont pris place par équipe à un temps d'échange avec les jeunes flamands.